Organizational Overview: The mission of Second Cycle, a nonprofit organization based in Tacoma, WA, is to demystify and normalize bike riding as a part of daily life while realizing the bicycle as a tool of personal and community empowerment. We do this through our community tool space, through youth bike programs, and by providing an open, supportive, accessible, and inclusive environment. We work to diversify participation in the cycling community and are working toward a world where the joy of riding a bicycle is accessible to everybody. 

 

Second Cycle was started a little under 13 years ago in a basement garage of an anarchist punk by a few bike mechanics and bike messengers. We started small and have steadily grown. We have a gritty sensibility and a DIY ethos deeply ingrained in our organizational DNA. We started with just a community tool space in mind and have added a variety of vibrant youth and adult programs. 

 

We are anchored in the Hilltop community and have been running the shop somewhere in Hilltop for the last 13 years. We have seen a lot of changes in this neighborhood, and we see the changes coming with the light rail and 1500 apartment units to be added in the next three years. That all being said, the organization has been and is on a growth trajectory, and there will be opportunities to grow with it for the right individual. 

 

Our Values:

• Joy for Bikes – We share the love for bikes with everyone. We work and live on our bikes. We share a deep connection with people-powered bicycle transportation. 

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• Self-Reliance and Empowerment – We believe that empowering individuals to maintain their bicycles fosters healthy self-reliance and reinforces notions of inherent self-worth. We revere empowerment of all forms, with the knowledge that it builds stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. 

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• Diversity | Equity | Inclusivity – We build diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities that seek representation from all voices and reach out to people from marginalized backgrounds. We operate from a place of compassion, kindness, and understanding. We come to this through deep listening.  

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Who we are:

• Collaborative team players  

• Passionate educators 

• Bike riders, bike mechanics 

• Social justice activists 

• Energetic and hard workers who manage time and risk 

• Self-starters with growth mindsets 

• Personable and humorous

• Serious goof balls - we take our goofing around seriously 

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We are currently looking for Shop Mechanics and Shop Assistants!! ​

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 SHOP MECHANIC 

 

Overview: The Shop Bike Mechanic (SM) is part bike mechanic, and salesperson. The  SM sees to the retail area of the shop primarily. The SM educates people about bike mechanics, advocates for safe riding practices, and sells people the necessary equipment for a fulfilling and safe bike riding experience. The SM strives to empower people by encouraging bike riding as an open and inclusive sport. This is a highly dynamic job and requires a lot of different skill sets. This job requires compassion, understanding, patience, gritty sensibility, and a good attitude. Experience about bike mechanics necessary. 

 

Essential Job Functions   

• Work in the shop and retail space 

• Support, educate, and advocate for all bike riding people that come to Second Cycle 

• Build bikes for sale

• Service writing for repairs 

 

List of duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Keep work areas clean, clear, and well organized

• Sell bikes, accessories, and parts

• Operate Point of Sale system - accurately and efficiently

• Stock new product 

• Process donations 

• Educate the public about, bike riding, and safe biking practices 

• Deliver on the spot minor repairs - i.e. flat repairs, brake, and gear adjustments

 

Qualifications / qualities / requirements 

• Thorough knowledge of bike mechanics - vintage and modern 

• Experienced bike rider - from bike touring, riding across town, racing, everything counts  

• Understanding of social justice concepts and awareness of privilege 

• Ability to self organize and complete tasks consistently and accurately 

• Clear communicator and engaged active listener 

• Ability to teach in an engaging and challenging manner - or a want to do so 

• A growth mindset - a want to continuously improve 

• Customer service experience is a plus 

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Starting wage is 16 and hour and goes up to 18 an hour. 

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SHOP ASSISTANT 

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Position Overview: The open shop assistant/volunteer is there to support and assist our Shop Mechanics. This position is good for people that are just starting out in the bicycle industry or want to just learn more about bikes and get a hands-on learning experience. Volunteers and Assistants will acquire basic bike skills and learn proper tool handling. The position is intended to teach and inspire the community who will, in turn, help 2nd Cycle operate smoothly and efficiently. 

 

Essential Job Functions ​

• Assist with the bike shop’s daily tasks 

• Help to keep the used parts bins of the shop well stocked 

• Maintain a clean and organized environment for the community and 2nd Cycle staff to work in. 

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List of duties may include but are not limited to the following: 

Strip bikes for parts, Sort donations, Clean and organize the shop, Fill cleaning and lubrication bottles, Take out trash and metal recycling, Clean bathrooms, Wipe down counters, Sort small parts, Vacuum and sweep, Check and pump up the sale bike tires, Organize backroom, True wheels for sale, Help with special projects

 

Qualifications / qualities / requirements 

● Must be 16 years old to participate 

● Person must be comfortable using hand tools and lifting up to 40lbs 

● (Appreciated but not required) previous experience working on bikes 

● Takes direction well and completes tasks in a timely manner 

● Persons who are invested in or feel aligned with the mission of the shop 

● Abide by the safety and regulations of 2nd Cycle

 

Benefits 

• Grow your community 

• Learn more about bike mechanics 

• Opportunity to help others 

• Have a cool job work with cool people

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Starting wage is 15 and hour and goes up to 16 an hour after 90 days. 

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Conditions of Employment: 

 

2nd Cycle is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to assembling a diverse and talented staff. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, 2nd Cycle does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or marital status. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 

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How to apply: 

Email your resume & cover letter explaining why you want to work for Second Cycle to gus@2ndcycle.org or give him a call or text if you have any questions at 503.567.8974 - these positions are open until filled.

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Updated March 18th 2021 

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